Mid-century modern vase, glass, Poland, 1970s

A glass vase from HSG Tarnowiec is an example of Polish design from the 1970s, characterised by a dynamic, organically modelled form. The body, made of hand-blown thick glass, takes on an elongated, bulbous shape, with a colour that transitions from deep burgundy at the top to an almost black shade at the base – the gradient effect creates a striking visual. The top is finished with a wide, irregularly wavy rim, partially edged with a transparent glass border. The vase has no seams, and the entire surface is perfectly smooth and highly glossy. The finishing details – contrasting, shiny depth of colour and the free line of the edge – reflect the expression of the era and the craftsmanship of Polish art glass. The piece is in very good condition, with no chips or cracks; only delicate, age-typical micro-scratches may be visible on the surface. This vase tells the story of a time when Polish glassmaking drew from the creative freedom of the mid-century modern era, combining a bold palette with a sense of form flowing like glass under the craftsman's hand. Its undulating rim and deep, slightly darkened red evoke the twilight of the 1970s – a world where design gestures meant experimentation and play with light and colour. The transparent border emphasises the spontaneity of this language, encapsulating the reminiscence of times of collector's courage and the free style of utility glass. The vase can be paired with furniture with raw, veneered finishes – for example, a low sideboard in light wood or a simple Scandinavian-style table. It will work well with matte ceramics, minimalist candlesticks or graphics in a thin frame; the strong burgundy matches a neutral palette, also in the company of light textiles or natural light. It will work both as a standalone accent in a mid-century collector's interior and as an addition to eclectic, freely composed arrangements.